Rudy Giuliani Can Appeal $148 Million Defamation Verdict If Donors Pay Legal Fees, Judge Rules

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani can appeal his $148 million defamation verdict if pre-approved donors cover his legal fees.

In December 2023, the former mayor of New York City was found guilty of defamation against mother and daughter Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. Without evidence, Giuliani repeatedly accused the duo of committing voter fraud in Georgia during the 2020 election. His claims were made to support former President Donald Trump‘s false claims of a “rigged election” for which no proof was ever provided.

The accusations led to Freeman and Moss experiencing racist and violent threats that “changed their lives forever.”

After a judge ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million, the former mayor filed for bankruptcy. In the court filing, Giuliani claimed he only earned $2,308 per month despite spending $43,797 in monthly expenses.

Giuliani’s bankruptcy judge said he can appeal the verdict if his legal expenses are covered by court-approved donors. Fees cannot come from Giuliani’s current assets, which Freeman and Moss are entitled to.

Freeman and Moss questioned the legal defense fund, Giuliani Defense, about where their funding came from. Giuliani claimed he did not donate money to any of his defense funds.